1 hour decant, 60 F. Medium garnet color. Aromatic nose of cherry and tobacco, raspberry, rose, smoke and vanilla notes. Pleasant acidity, smooth tannins, well-integrated alcohol and oak. Light body for a BdM. Lovely cherry fruit on the palate, cranberry, tobacco, leather, balsamic and sun-dried tomato notes. Lingering drying finish. Very quaffable and great QPR for the price I paid. Drink soon
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Pretty nose upon opening: cherry, mushroom, leather, fruit cake spices. Lots of tertiary notes wafting out of the decanter. On palate, a bit hollow, not matching the depth or range of the nose. It was a difficult year in Tuscany that year.
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Really nice showing. An hour in the decanter, steak and pasta ala Norma. Dry, and a bit austere on it's own but sings with a little fat and salt on the tongue. Fine acid pop, pomegranate, a bit of bay. Light, clean finish. Unsure if there's enough there there for significant aging, but fully expect it to hold for the next handful of years.
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Very tight (thin sour nasty) upon opening but after a few hours it began to morf into something more pleasant. By the second day it finally began to sing. Great depth and breadth of flavors began to emerge with time and oxygen so definitely open well in advance of when you are planning to serve.
Tasted side by side against the 2013 Il Marroneto Brunello (a wine that may have even racked up more rewards and scores than this particular bottle). The Cantina's wine was great (my score 90) but came up just a little short across the board against the Il Marroneto. Both were much nicer on day 2 (but particularly the Cantina which was finally becoming drinkable by then).
After posting this review and then reading some of the earlier comments, it seems like we may have opened this (and the Il Marroneto) bottle many years too early.
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For the price, I'm glad that I bought 6 bottles of this...definitely high Sangiovese QPR. Lots of bright red fruits, with food friendly acidity and strong, but fine, tannins. Great value for the vintage.
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Nice nose, balsamic (!), dark cherry, and cedar. Cherry turns tart in the mouth, and then some drying tannins added in at the end. Solid for the price.
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At this price, really very good. Gave it an hour to open up, and we were rewarded. As others have noted, this won't make you forget the big names, but I was pleasantly surprised. Might even let one or two sit for a year or two more.
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PnP and enjoyed over 90 minutes. A fairly basic brunello - bright cherries on the nose with some forest floor notes. Easy on the palate with dried cherries, some savory herbs and medium tannins. Decent fruit on the short-medium finish. Don't think further cellaring is required. Good for a low cost sangio, but don't expect much more.
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Far better than I expected for $20 bucks from Garagiste. Light-bodied, soft cherry, medium-plus acidity. A little bit of astringency on the finish that I would think will dissipate over time. Quite shocking that it’s as good as it is - I bought it as a pizza wine - a task it performs admirably.
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Decanted about 2 hours at this point. Lovely, light red color, with red fruit, underbrush, and rose petal aromas. These carry over to the palate. Very fresh and inviting. Others have suggested that this drinks like a good CC or CCR, rather than a BdM. I don't get the earthy, spice, and other secondary flavors that I usually associate with Chianti. For me, this is more like a Rosso di Montalchino, albeit a good one (i.e., 100% Sangiovese grosso). I'm getting pronounced tannins on the mid palate and finish now, so I'm wondering if this might improve with a little more bottle age. This is certainly very good (89) now, but I'm not sure about outstanding (90). Still, a good QPR for Tuscan wine and a success, given the vintage. Also, this is perhaps a cellar defender to keep your hands off the BdMs that aren't quite ready yet.
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From a friend's cellar. They decanted about 2 hrs before we drank it. Lovely drink-now brunello: tar and soft rose with soft charcoal on the nose. On the palate: fantastic acidity, blackberry, soft charcoal, a hint of cola, soft tomato, and a very softly tannic finish. Very good.
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Red cherries, plums, tannins, and a touch of cocoa. Nose is perfumy and noticeable across the table. There is a noticeably tight ball in the nose, suggesting that this will open with some time. The palate is the same way. The tannins are dusty and give the impression of a hole in the middle of the palate but I don't think think the body is lacking in any way. Should be an interesting wine to follow over the next six years as it's clear there is some room for it to evolve. (2021-2026)
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Eyes - medium crimson to light crimson, medium legs Nose - medium intensity, cherry pie, light wood - vanilla Mouth - mouthfeel - light to medium body, on the austere side, cherry pie, medium alcohol, medium acidity, light tannins, short finish Comments - drink 2020 - 2024, excellent value, looks like Rimmerman can take credit for single-handedly popularizing this label in the USA...of the approx 1250 bottles from 1995 to present, 2 vintages (2014 & 2015 offered by Garagiste) account for 1000 bottles.
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Medium-bodied and very elegant, reflecting the best characteristics of the difficult 2014 vintage. Austere and a bit lean, yet surprisingly satisfying. There's just enough tangy cherry and plum fruit here to give this a wonderful sense of balance. Moderate acidity and a long, complex finish add to the overall appeal. Drinks more like a very good Chianti Classico Riserva than a Brunello - but that's 2014 for you. Very food-friendly. At the rock-bottom Garagiste price, wish I had bought more than just this one bottle. 50=5+12+16+7=90
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Light to medium ruby red. Dark nose coated in red cherries, leather, earth and a hint of bitter cocoa. Medium acidity and tannins (6.5/10) with a medium body. Similar notes on the palate. Quite enjoyable. Drink till 2026.
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This was a very good bottle of Brunello—neither overwrought nor underripe—from a tricky vintage. Can't complain at under $20 per bottle via Garagiste (mystery offer). I certainly wouldn't have been happy if I had paid $50 but for $20 it's a very lovely bottle.
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Very light bodied out of the bottle, this tasted a lot like a Gamay. Sour and black cherries, leather and spruce. Very elegant but not much depth of flavor. Medium-high acidity, medium-light body, medium minus tannins. Food friendly with lighter fare, should drink well for the next 7 years.
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5/24/2024 - thebonnydooner wrote:
Upon opening. Not good., Thin, acidic and very lean. Will reserve judgement for a couple hours.
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2/3/2024 - drrobvino wrote: 88 Points
Nice Brunello, first bottle of this Mystery wine from Garagiste.
No formal TN.
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1/5/2024 - Delund Likes this wine: 90 Points
1 hour decant, 60 F. Medium garnet color. Aromatic nose of cherry and tobacco, raspberry, rose, smoke and vanilla notes. Pleasant acidity, smooth tannins, well-integrated alcohol and oak. Light body for a BdM. Lovely cherry fruit on the palate, cranberry, tobacco, leather, balsamic and sun-dried tomato notes. Lingering drying finish. Very quaffable and great QPR for the price I paid. Drink soon
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12/30/2023 - anstruletz Likes this wine:
Drinking nicely for what it is
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3/21/2023 - Steterichko wrote: 87 Points
Maybe a flawed bottle but missing all of the fruit and depth one would expect. Nose smells off as well.
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3/2/2023 - Texas Jerky Likes this wine: 88 Points
Pretty nose upon opening: cherry, mushroom, leather, fruit cake spices. Lots of tertiary notes wafting out of the decanter. On palate, a bit hollow, not matching the depth or range of the nose. It was a difficult year in Tuscany that year.
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1/25/2023 - davidspieker wrote: 89 Points
Dark rusty red color. Fresh fruit aromas. Cranberry and burnt cherry flavors with strong acidity and very lengthy finish.
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7/2/2022 - brinko99 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really nice showing. An hour in the decanter, steak and pasta ala Norma. Dry, and a bit austere on it's own but sings with a little fat and salt on the tongue. Fine acid pop, pomegranate, a bit of bay. Light, clean finish. Unsure if there's enough there there for significant aging, but fully expect it to hold for the next handful of years.
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6/26/2022 - Aparritz Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still quite young and a little tight still. Very good, classic Brunnelo profile. Dry and tannic.
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6/21/2022 - Aravind Asok wrote:
Final btl. Consistent. Yum.
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2/6/2022 - UpfromtheCellar wrote: 90 Points
Very tight (thin sour nasty) upon opening but after a few hours it began to morf into something more pleasant. By the second day it finally began to sing. Great depth and breadth of flavors began to emerge with time and oxygen so definitely open well in advance of when you are planning to serve.
Tasted side by side against the 2013 Il Marroneto Brunello (a wine that may have even racked up more rewards and scores than this particular bottle). The Cantina's wine was great (my score 90) but came up just a little short across the board against the Il Marroneto. Both were much nicer on day 2 (but particularly the Cantina which was finally becoming drinkable by then).
After posting this review and then reading some of the earlier comments, it seems like we may have opened this (and the Il Marroneto) bottle many years too early.
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1/25/2022 - pinoteer Likes this wine: 90 Points
For the price, I'm glad that I bought 6 bottles of this...definitely high Sangiovese QPR. Lots of bright red fruits, with food friendly acidity and strong, but fine, tannins. Great value for the vintage.
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1/14/2022 - Aravind Asok wrote:
Popped yesterday. See previous note...more anise on the nose this time and held up well to heat (a harissa chickpea stew).
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11/22/2021 - skifree wrote: 87 Points
Nice nose, balsamic (!), dark cherry, and cedar. Cherry turns tart in the mouth, and then some drying tannins added in at the end. Solid for the price.
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11/11/2021 - Jdevans Likes this wine: 90 Points
At this price, really very good. Gave it an hour to open up, and we were rewarded. As others have noted, this won't make you forget the big names, but I was pleasantly surprised. Might even let one or two sit for a year or two more.
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8/9/2021 - BHRH Likes this wine: 88 Points
PnP and enjoyed over 90 minutes. A fairly basic brunello - bright cherries on the nose with some forest floor notes. Easy on the palate with dried cherries, some savory herbs and medium tannins. Decent fruit on the short-medium finish. Don't think further cellaring is required. Good for a low cost sangio, but don't expect much more.
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4/29/2021 - tlangle Likes this wine: 90 Points
Better night 1. Drinking well now, no need to wait
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3/30/2021 - Thebigbaby Likes this wine: 85 Points
Another solid $20 QPR from Garagiste. Clean, good acidity food friendly wine. Nice subtle cherry flavors and went well with pizza.
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3/27/2021 - randyjc wrote: 90 Points
Far better than I expected for $20 bucks from Garagiste. Light-bodied, soft cherry, medium-plus acidity. A little bit of astringency on the finish that I would think will dissipate over time. Quite shocking that it’s as good as it is - I bought it as a pizza wine - a task it performs admirably.
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3/20/2021 - anstruletz Likes this wine: 87 Points
Definitely entry level from a meh vintage, but went well with steak.
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3/8/2021 - pinoteer Likes this wine: 89 Points
Decanted about 2 hours at this point. Lovely, light red color, with red fruit, underbrush, and rose petal aromas. These carry over to the palate. Very fresh and inviting. Others have suggested that this drinks like a good CC or CCR, rather than a BdM. I don't get the earthy, spice, and other secondary flavors that I usually associate with Chianti. For me, this is more like a Rosso di Montalchino, albeit a good one (i.e., 100% Sangiovese grosso). I'm getting pronounced tannins on the mid palate and finish now, so I'm wondering if this might improve with a little more bottle age. This is certainly very good (89) now, but I'm not sure about outstanding (90). Still, a good QPR for Tuscan wine and a success, given the vintage. Also, this is perhaps a cellar defender to keep your hands off the BdMs that aren't quite ready yet.
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2/21/2021 - darkfeld Likes this wine:
Consistent with previous, very good
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2/13/2021 - webreg Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nice clean sangiovese. Perfumed nose. Cherry palate. Soft tannins and good balance.
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2/6/2021 - Aravind Asok wrote:
From a friend's cellar. They decanted about 2 hrs before we drank it. Lovely drink-now brunello: tar and soft rose with soft charcoal on the nose. On the palate: fantastic acidity, blackberry, soft charcoal, a hint of cola, soft tomato, and a very softly tannic finish. Very good.
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1/7/2021 - SeattleKen wrote:
Red cherries, plums, tannins, and a touch of cocoa. Nose is perfumy and noticeable across the table. There is a noticeably tight ball in the nose, suggesting that this will open with some time. The palate is the same way. The tannins are dusty and give the impression of a hole in the middle of the palate but I don't think think the body is lacking in any way. Should be an interesting wine to follow over the next six years as it's clear there is some room for it to evolve. (2021-2026)
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12/29/2020 - mardenimo wrote: 90 Points
Eyes - medium crimson to light crimson, medium legs
Nose - medium intensity, cherry pie, light wood - vanilla
Mouth - mouthfeel - light to medium body, on the austere side, cherry pie, medium alcohol, medium acidity, light tannins, short finish
Comments - drink 2020 - 2024, excellent value, looks like Rimmerman can take credit for single-handedly popularizing this label in the USA...of the approx 1250 bottles from 1995 to present, 2 vintages (2014 & 2015 offered by Garagiste) account for 1000 bottles.
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12/24/2020 - Bam_Man wrote: 90 Points
Medium-bodied and very elegant, reflecting the best characteristics of the difficult 2014 vintage. Austere and a bit lean, yet surprisingly satisfying. There's just enough tangy cherry and plum fruit here to give this a wonderful sense of balance. Moderate acidity and a long, complex finish add to the overall appeal. Drinks more like a very good Chianti Classico Riserva than a Brunello - but that's 2014 for you. Very food-friendly. At the rock-bottom Garagiste price, wish I had bought more than just this one bottle.
50=5+12+16+7=90
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12/12/2020 - darkfeld Likes this wine: 92 Points
Medium body and depth, drinking well now with food. Great value for the garagiste price
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12/6/2020 - Millennial Drinkers wrote: 89 Points
Light to medium ruby red. Dark nose coated in red cherries, leather, earth and a hint of bitter cocoa. Medium acidity and tannins (6.5/10) with a medium body. Similar notes on the palate. Quite enjoyable. Drink till 2026.
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11/12/2020 - Nojomoschwa Likes this wine: 90 Points
This was a very good bottle of Brunello—neither overwrought nor underripe—from a tricky vintage. Can't complain at under $20 per bottle via Garagiste (mystery offer). I certainly wouldn't have been happy if I had paid $50 but for $20 it's a very lovely bottle.
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10/28/2020 - Snowey Likes this wine:
Had with yummy lasagna. Nose was a bit muted but flavors showed lovely old world rusticity with nice acidity. Good qpr
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10/24/2020 - fmginc Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nice balanced notes with soft finish
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10/21/2020 - stbraunt Likes this wine: 92 Points
This is a really nice brunello. Easy to drink, moderate fruit flavor, very long finish. Very smooth.
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8/27/2020 - Portland Seth Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very light bodied out of the bottle, this tasted a lot like a Gamay. Sour and black cherries, leather and spruce. Very elegant but not much depth of flavor. Medium-high acidity, medium-light body, medium minus tannins. Food friendly with lighter fare, should drink well for the next 7 years.
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